NLCSA is encouraging all construction companies to participate in a voluntary safety stand-down on, or close to, Tuesday, August 14^th to speak directly to workers about safety and specifically to stop, reassess risk and reset.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A safety stand-down is a voluntary event where employers speak directly to workers about safety.  All workplaces can hold a safety stand-down by taking a break to focus on specific hazards that workers may encounter while working.  This focus on safety allows open communication between management and workers to discuss hazards, controls, and specific company policies and procedures. A safety stand-down is applicable to all industries as everyone faces hazards at their workplace.

Why Conduct a Safety Stand-Down?

A safety stand-down allows workers to stop their task, reassess the job activities and the hazards associated with them, and determine if any changes can be made to improve their health and safety.  It also demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring everyone works in a safe manner. 

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How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down

Companies participate by taking a break from their work activities and conducting a toolbox meeting or other safety related activities such as workplace inspections, inspections of PPE and equipment, discussing/practicing emergency procedures, etc. Management are encouraged to plan a stand-down that is relevant and practical to their workplace.

How to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Start Early.  Designate a date, time, and a person(s) to coordinate the stand-down. It could be August 14th or any other date that suits your needs.
2. Consider your topic. Identify what topic you are choosing to focus on and its relevance to your worksite.  This could be a specific element to your safety program.  Consider: what needs to be improved? What causes most incidents (or has the most potential to cause an incident)? What training do workers have and what do they need? What equipment are workers using and how well is it maintained?
3. Develop the presentation or activity planned. Decide what information you want to convey to your workforce and how it will be communicated. Hands-on activities will increase participation and retention of information.
4. Promote the stand-down.  Make workers, supervisors, sub-contractors, etc. aware of the stand-down and the purpose. A Safety Stand-Down poster and a companion poster (with a blank section for you to add your own details) are available  for free download in the Resource section of our website.
5. Hold your stand-down.  Try to make it positive and interactive.  Encourage workers to share their experiences and their suggestions for improvements.
6. Follow-up. Reflect on the discussion from the workforce and consider making changes to your safety program based on their input, if possible.

Request a visit from an NLCSA Safety Advisor

Construction companies can request a visit from an NLCSA Safety Advisor during their stand-down (opportunities are limited – refer to the registration form or contact us at safetystanddown@nlcsa.com).

Visit www.nlcsa.com for more information

 

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